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Seeking Bookshelf Recommendations

Looking for some new bookshelf speakers for a second system in a small bedroom.   The room is pretty well treated with 6 broadband absorption and 9 diffuser panels. I’m running Audio Mirror Reflection 45 mono blocks with a Canary preamp. Source will most likely be a Gustard R26 as both dac and streamer. I also have a pair of Rel t5i subs and Aperion dual firing super tweeters.  
 

Soundstaging and imaging are king for me. I want the biggest most dimensional sound I can afford.  My amp pairing is really smooth so I’m not looking for anything too warm.  I’d like something that is neutral but full in the lower mids and upper bass but also extended and airy in the treble.  My current Totem Arros do the soundstaging/imaging but are a little weak for me in the lower mids and upper bass.  Also I really value clarity and resolution as long as the magic isn’t lost of course. Basically I’m looking to have my cake and eat it too. My budget is around 3k and right now tops of my list are Fritz Carreras and Kef R3 metas. Also, Joseph Pulsars would be at the very top of my wish list but I’m trying to spend less unless it’s truly worth it.  Others that are lower on the list are Nola Boxers, Totem Signature Ones, Merlin TSM MMM, and maybe even one of the smaller Thiel floor standing speakers
 

As always I’m looking forward to everyone’s thoughts and hopefully there is at least a couple great speakers I’m missing. 

brylandgoodman

Showing 1 response by deep_333

deep_333
889 posts
 

If the budget is 3k and you have pre-existing good amplification and subs, the Magnepan LRS+ would be a bit of a nobrainer for a 1000 bucks (as others have suggested). Traits of magnepans are well known.

Hmmm, another good option could be the Emotiva XT3 floorstander for 2000 dollars (Made in Tennessee!!). This seems to be a fairly unique speaker (for this price) with a very high level of resolution, clarity, imaging capabilities and significant bass output/extension that could remind you of some expensive speakers. You may not even need your Rel subs (which are not some infrasonic miracle, to begin with) in a smaller room.

 

What’s the fascination with a bookshelf anyways? After you put it on some stand, it takes the same footprint as a floorstander and you have to deal with a goofy rickety thing known as the speaker stand! (not to mention that some woofer in these goofy 2-way bookshelfs has to play up into the midrange, drops resolution/clarity, wimpy soundpower, increased distortion, etc). Bookshelf speakers are not the greatest idea unless you spend big bucks on a bookshelf to overcome some inherent disadvantages.

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